Puka Nacua Formally Served with Civil Lawsuit at Malibu Rehab Center
According to exclusive reporting from TMZ Sports, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been officially served with a civil lawsuit from his bite accuser while undergoing rehabilitation at a holistic care facility in Malibu. The legal documents were delivered after three separate attempts by process servers, who reportedly located Nacua's whereabouts through news coverage of his rehab stay.
Three Attempts Required to Serve Legal Papers
The first process server arrived at the facility at 2:50 PM on April 6, but an administrator refused to confirm or deny Nacua's presence due to HIPAA privacy restrictions. On April 7 at noon, a second server spoke with a woman at the facility who instructed them to leave the area because service could not be completed there. Finally, on April 8, a nurse identified as "Jane Doe" accepted substitute service on behalf of Nacua, completing the legal delivery.
Rehab Stay for Personal Growth and Recovery
Nacua checked into the rehabilitation facility in early March to focus on personal growth and recovery. His attorney, Levi McCathern, stated on April 1 that the rehab stint was intended to help Nacua return to 100 percent fitness before the 2026 NFL season and was completely unrelated to the legal allegations against him.
Details of the Civil Lawsuit Allegations
The civil lawsuit was filed in late March by Madison Atiabi, the alleged victim, who claims Nacua bit her left shoulder with significant force during a New Year's Eve celebration on December 31, 2025. The legal complaint cites gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence, alleging that Atiabi suffered physical injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and severe emotional distress. Atiabi included a photograph of the alleged injury showing a circular imprint of teeth on her shoulder in the court filing.
According to the lawsuit documents, Nacua allegedly made offensive remarks during dinner before the biting incident occurred. Atiabi filed an official police report with the Los Angeles Police Department on January 2, 2026, and later obtained a temporary restraining order against the football player in late March.
Nacua's Legal Team Denies All Allegations
Nacua's attorney Levi McCathern has vehemently denied all accusations, telling TMZ Sports: "Puka denies these allegations in the strongest possible terms. We will be filing a defamation lawsuit and pursuing all available legal remedies in response to these false and damaging statements."
McCathern characterized the woman's story as pure fiction and claimed to possess video evidence showing the accuser "twerking and partying at a club" with Nacua in the background after the alleged incident occurred. The attorney suggested the allegations represent an attempt at blackmail rather than a legitimate legal claim.
Timing Questioned Following Record Contract News
The timing of the allegations has raised questions, as they emerged approximately three months after the alleged incident and shortly after Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba signed a record-breaking four-year, $168.4 million contract extension on March 23, 2026. Nacua's attorney suggested this timing "further underscores the complete lack of credibility behind these accusations," implying potential financial motivations behind the lawsuit.
The legal proceedings come as Nacua continues his rehabilitation program focused on personal development and physical recovery ahead of the upcoming NFL season. Both sides appear prepared for a contentious legal battle, with Nacua's team promising counter-litigation in response to what they characterize as baseless allegations.
